Water Retention Causes Symptoms & Treatment

Oedema or (edema) are the medical terms for fluid retention or water retention. Oedema occurs when water fluids leak from the blood and gathers in pools in the surrounding body tissue. It can happen in both men and women and is common in premenstrual women or individuals with poor diets with a high sodium content, i.e. salty foods.

Waste fluids are usually removed from body tissue through a system of tubes called the lymphatic system that run throughout the body to remove toxic and waste fluid. Waste fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream before being filtered through the liver and kidneys to be expelled naturally.

IF, fluids are not removed by the lymphatic system it remains in the body tissues which will cause swelling to occur. This is called oedema. Water retention is common in the feet, legs ankles, as well as hands, arms and stomach abdominal areas.

Water Retention Symptoms

When water retention strikes, the symptoms include swelling of the skin that causes it to become stretched and sometimes shiny. The most common symptoms results in swollen ankles and feet or swollen wrists or hands or wherever the water retention is most aparrent. Joints nearest to the swollen areas may feel stiff and ache. A bloated or enlarged abdomen, or bloated stomach can cause breathing difficulties and decreased flexibility in other joints (ankles, wrists and fingers) may also occur.

It is possible that this condition could also be symptomatic of other more serious diseases so it is important that you consult with your medical advisor if the symptoms are not alleviated or if they reoccur frequently.

Water Retention Treatment

Cut down on foods containing sodium and hidden salt such as packaged ready meals or junk foods. Eating cucumber, asparagus, watermelon, corn and grapes may help to rid excess fluid.

Drink more water! – this may sound a little ironic however drinking water actually prevents the body retaining fluids. 8 glasses of water per day is the minimum we should be drinking.

Walking or exercise involving the movement of the legs helps reduce water pooling in the legs ankles and feet. As we age we tend to participate in less exercise activity when actually we should be doing more. Swimming, cycling, walking or even living room aerobics are great ways to start exercising.

Put your feet up

Once you have finished your exercises, put your feet up. Elevating your feet above the level of your upper body will help blood circulation and help prevent fluids pooling.

Prescription drugs are available but they can be harsh. Herbal and homeopathic water retention remedies are safe and effective. Herbs such as uva ursi, and horse chestnut are recommended for their excellent diuretic properties.